• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Bainbridge Island
  • Books & Writing
  • Crafts & DIY
  • Food
  • Life
  • Our Wedding Cookbook
  • Printables
  • Nav Widget Area

A Mom's Year

Creating a comfortable life one moment at a time

February 20, 2014

Giving Like Mrs. Mac

Mother Teresa Giving Quote

image from Sycamore Street Press

The year Tim and I turned 40, we traveled to St. Simon’s Island, Georgia, to celebrate with two of my closest friends, who were also turning 40, and their families. It was a wonderful trip and my heart is full of memories of watching our children playing together just like we did at their age.

One thing that has stayed with me most was a simple gesture made by my friend’s mother. Her parents had retired and bought a home on the island but of course there were too many of us to stay with them, so we rented a house on the beach. Shortly after we arrived, Mrs. Mac appeared with beach toys and a Harris Teeter bag filled with snacks for the kids. The kids were delighted and we felt so welcomed.

I’ve thought of Mrs. Mac and her gift often since then. What was it that made that act so special? And how could I become a better giver?

There’s an element of risk-taking when you give. What if the person doesn’t like the casserole you made or even takes offense, thinking that he doesn’t need help? Sometimes when we’re not sure of what to do, we don’t do anything.

I’ve mentioned that a close friend from book club lost her husband a few weeks ago. When the group met last Saturday, I asked Judy if she’d mind sharing what has helped her get through this time.

She mentioned food and a friend who came and put fresh sheets on the beds for guests and the CD the church gave her so she could listen to the service again.

She also said a friend of hers who’s been widowed for quite some time has been sending care packages. The first one held a large stuffed dog and timers for lights so she never has to come home to a dark house. There was a flashlight of some kind, although Judy didn’t seem clear on what that was about. The second package was an afghan with a note saying “washed and ready for snuggling.”

How can we give like Mrs. Mac? Maybe your friends are coming to visit from out of town for a funeral. You might put together a gift bag that includes some art supplies or Legos to keep the young ones busy while parents are visiting or helping to make plans. Maybe some books and kid-friendly snacks.

If a friend is going through a difficult time, maybe you send a gift package with nothing particularly useful (like the ginger soak and some chocolate) to let her know you’re thinking of her. I like to hope that when it comes to giving, it truly is the thought that counts.

Do you have a favorite “Mrs. Mac”-type moment, whether you were on the giving or receiving end?

Lily High Tide Cottage

P.S. We stayed at High Tide Cottage. It was amazing. And Lily discovered she’s actually a mermaid.

P.S. again: If you’re a subscriber, I’m sorry you received notice twice with this post―I’m having technical difficulties!

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)

Filed Under: Community, Gifts Shannon 4 Comments

Reader Interactions

Doc Brown and Panda Valentine Holders
A Simple Gratitude Ritual

Comments

  1. Judy Lawrence says

    February 20, 2014 at 9:06 am

    The first time I stayed with the “Macs” at St Simon, she had a fluffy robe on my bed as a welcome gift. I’ll forever remember this kindness.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      February 20, 2014 at 9:31 am

      Yes, that’s exactly the sort of thing I’m talking about! Thank you for that, and for everything you shared with us last week.

      Reply
  2. Marilyn says

    February 20, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    My college roommate has well-documented experience with my absolute love of house slippers. So once, when we met up at a friend’s house, she brought me house slippers to wear! It was so sweet.

    Reply
    • Shannon says

      February 26, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      That IS sweet! A total Mrs. Mac moment. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Welcome

Hello! My name is Shannon Taylor. I'm a long-time writer and editor from Minnesota surprised to find myself on an island in the Pacific Northwest. I'm sharing this adventure with my husband, four kids, and two dogs. I “published” my first newsletter when I was nine, and I’ve loved sharing ideas, stories, and information ever since. I hope you find something here to inspire you and help you create a comfortable, cozy life.
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Email

Instagram

Goat memories popped up today. So cute!❤️ Goat memories popped up today. So cute!❤️

Featured Posts

  • Personalized Valentine Portraits
  • Short Fiction: Claire (A Valentine Story)
  • Valentine Fill-in-the-Blanks
  • 3-D Lollipop Valentines
  • Hanging Hearts-on-a-String Valentine
  • Caped Cute-saders Valentines
  • How to Host a Chinese New Year Party
  • Make: Double Happiness Symbol for Chinese New Year
  • Chinese New Year / Fortune Cookies
  • Chinese New Year Cookies

Fiction

Fiction

Comforting as a big mug of cocoa in front of a warm fire, this cozy family novel is about the connections we make and the traditions that keep us together.

Archives

© 2021 Happy Crow Enterprises, LLC
About    Privacy Policy    Copyright
Pretty Happy WordPress Theme · By: Pretty Darn Cute Design